What Facts Should You Know About Opioid Dependence?

Opioid addiction is a key constituent of opioid dependence which occurs when an individual is incapable of stopping the use of opiate drugs such as morphine, heroin, hydrocodone and oxycodone to name a few. This is a complicated disorder, but make no mistake it can be treated.

Opioid Dependence is a major public health issue that affects approximately two million Americans and can happen unexpectedly as the unintended consequence of prescription drug use.

According to the infographic below, 59% of doctors say Opioid Dependence is a chronic brain disease, 30% of doctors view OD as more of a psychological problem and 80% of doctors believe it is a mental health problem.

Research shows Opioid Dependence treatment can benefit from a combination of medication and behavioral changes.

92% of adults say that OD is treatable but only 61% of adults say that treatment for OD is readily available. Treatment is covered by the majority of health insurance companies, so regardless of the different views on Opioid Dependence, it’s extremely important to get help.